The Spanish midfielder is facing three league games in 12 days over the festive season, whereas he has previously enjoyed a rest period while playing in La Liga.

However, the former Malaga and Villareal player suggests that, while a break would give players breathing space, the hectic nature of the Premier League schedule means he is already adapting to the demands of English football.

"I do think it [a winter break] is beneficial because you are able to disconnect mentally, psychologically," he told the club's official website.

"There are times when you become saturated with games, you are unclear about things, and the break that happens in Spain makes you more relaxed mentally.

"But I think that the Premier League overall is already tough with regards to the number of matches that you have to play in a row, so I do not think the month of December is very different from the rest of the months."

Arsenal will play Wigan, Newcastle and Southampton as they look to haul back a 15-point deficit on league leaders Manchester United.

The Gunners qualified for the last 16 of the Champions League and have been drawn against Bayern Munich, who were the finalists in last year's competition against Chelsea.